Aboriginal students and newcomers to Canada contribute to growth

"Our increased enrolment provides compelling evidence of the contributions Saskatchewan Polytechnic makes to meeting the province's labour market needs," says President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia. "Our overall enrolment growth is good news for employers, as are increases in Aboriginal and newcomer enrolments in particular. Engaging these two populations is key to the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth."

Aboriginal enrolment was up seven per cent to almost 3,300 students in the most recent student census. Aboriginal students represent 18.5 per cent of the Sask Polytech student population. Enrolment in Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada was up by 277 students to 1,625.

Across programs and campuses, full-load equivalent enrolment increased at Sask Polytech by five per cent last year. (Full-load equivalent is a measure of activity that includes various types of educational activity, including credentialed programming, course registrations and apprenticeship training.) The number of students enrolled in programs was also up five per cent, contributing to a 15 per cent increase over five years.

Growth was strong in Saskatoon and Regina, with double-digit increases at Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses in those two cities.

Programs contributing to higher enrolment include the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the new Culinary Arts program. Student numbers also climbed in apprenticeship programs, especially Electrician and Plumbing.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 26,000 distinct students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.